Thursday, 16 April 2015

Wicklow County Council agree to fly the Rainbow Flag during the Wicklow Pride Festival

Sinn Féin Councillor and General Election candidate John Brady has expressed delight that his proposal to fly the Rainbow flag from the Wicklow County Council Buildings in Wicklow Town to coincide with the Wicklow Pride Festival that takes place in the County in June and July.

Speaking after the decision to fly the flag Councillor Brady said “I’m delighted that a decision was taken by the protocol committee of the Council to support my proposal to fly the Rainbow Flag from the County Buildings to coincide with the Wicklow Pride Festival that takes place from 29th June to 4th July. I believe it’s an important decision and makes a powerful statement that the council is committed to working to do all that it can to tackle hate crime and discrimination and supports inclusiveness and diversity.”

Cllr Brady went onto say “The rainbow flag was popularised as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and diversity by San Franciscan artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The different colours symbolize diversity in the gay community, and the flag is used predominantly at gay pride events worldwide.”

Cllr Brady concluded “It would be great if the Municipal District offices around the County would follow suit and fly the flag also. It would make a strong statement that Wicklow stands for equality, something I as a republican strive for and the reason why Sinn Féin are calling for a yes vote in the marriage equality referendum.” Ends